Wenger to ring the changes in key areas.
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Looking at various recent reports, Arsenal look set to let three players go and bring three new signings in this summer as Arsene Wenger rings the changes to his Emirates Stadium squad.
Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers have already come in in this transfer window, but there could be more to come with some big names reportedly on the manager’s shortlist as he looks to turn the Gunners into genuine title contenders again, as well as follow on from their FA Cup triumph last season.
With signings worth a total value of around £69m possibly set to arrive in north London, players will likely have to depart as well to make sure the club have enough funds to complete these ambitious moves. See below for the changes Wenger looks to be preparing to make before the end of the summer.
Out: Thomas Vermaelen
Strongly linked with both Manchester United and Barcelona, it would be no surprise to see Thomas Vermaelen call time on his five-year Arsenal career this summer. The Belgian centre-back has fallen out of favour with Arsene Wenger after a recent dip in form, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny now the preferred first-choice central defensive pairing for the Gunners. It remains to be seen where the former Ajax man will end up, but it looks increasingly likely that he won’t be lining up at the Emirates Stadium in 2014/15.
In: Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
A surprise target perhaps, but recent reports suggest that Arsenal could make a £30m move for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels. The German centre-back is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position after his recent starring displays for club and country. Known to be another top target for Manchester United, it could be that the Gunners will pip their rivals to his signature if they do agree to let Vermaelen make the move to Old Trafford.
Out: Santi Cazorla
A disappointing development in an otherwise great summer for the Gunners, Santi Cazorla could be heading back to Spain after just two seasons at the Emirates Stadium after becoming a top target for La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. Still, at 29 years of age, Arsenal may benefit from cashing in on him now, particularly as they have plenty of depth in the attacking midfield area already, and with Arsene Wenger seemingly ready to reinvest the money from his sale on other top quality signings.
In: Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
Coming in in midfield could be Real Madrid and Germany star Sami Khedira. The 27-year-old has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the world in recent years, but now looks to be one for the transfer list at the Bernabeu after reportedly rejecting offers of a new contract from the club as his current deal enters its final year. Possibly available for a cut price of just £20m, this could be a superb addition to Wenger’s squad as he looks to improve on the likes of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini in that part of the pitch.
Out: Joel Campbell
Despite some impressive performances at the World Cup for Costa Rica, as well as in the Emirates Cup last weekend, promising youngster Joel Campbell could be on his way out of Arsenal having never played a competitive game for the club as he becomes a top target for AC Milan. The 22-year-old is understandably keen to play regularly after being loaned out by the Gunners for the last three seasons, and Wenger may struggle to fit Campbell into his side at present, making him an obvious candidate for the exit door.
In: Wilfried Bony (Swansea City)
Also a target for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony has been linked with Arsenal on a number of occasions this summer after his superb displays for the Swans last season. The Ivory Coast international looks a terrific talent after hitting the ground running in his first season in the Premier League, and would provide a great alternative to Olivier Giroud upfront for the north Londoners. Valued at around £19m, Bony would certainly be an upgrade on an inexperienced squad player such as Campbell, and this therefore looks like a logical change upfront for the Gunners in this summer’s transfer market.